Opposition party leaders Ndindi Nyoro (People’s Party of Kenya), Fred Matiang’i (Jubilee) and Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party) have vowed to unite behind a single flagbearer to face William Ruto.
The trio, speaking after a joint meeting of aspirants in Nakuru County maintained that a united opposition was key to unseating President William Ruto. They later addressed a public rally in Njoro.
“All of us here are part and parcel of the larger opposition in the Republic of Kenya,” Ndindi told the rally.
“We must remain as one so that we have a strong team. Ndio Ruto akifanya mikutano tatu, tunanyorosha kumi ndio tumpleke nyumbani (So that when Ruto holds three meetings, we do ten (10) so that we can send him home).”
“And for that we are saying saying we unite all of us,” echoed Matiangi, while Karua on her side maintained she has always pushed for unity against Ruto.
“We shall choose one to fly the opposition flag,” she avered.
Stop harsh words
The leaders insisted Kenyans deserve a government that prioritizes their needs over personal interests, emphasizing the necessity to rally behind one presidential candidate capable of defeating Ruto without a run-off.
Karua cautioned opposition leaders against blocking other leaders from joining the united opposition, insisting the opposition must accomodate everyone committed to change. She urged opposition politicians to stop exchanging harsh words and instead focus on building a formidable political movement.
According to former cabinet minister, Karua, personal attacks serve to weaken their collective efforts to challenge the Ruto administration.
“I have been convening united opposition meetings and we will not block anyone because someone is saying things Kenyans cannot understand,” maintained the former Cabinet Minister.
Matiangi charged against those calling for a boardroom decision on the opposition flagbearer, saying Kenyans must also have a say.
“As the opposition we continue to have discussions but we are also saying that you Kenyans must be involved because you know us. It is important that your voice is heard,” he maintained.
“We are also calling for peace and respect for the rights of every individual to join a political party of their choice.”
Strategic national assets
On the economy, Nyoro accused Ruto of enriching himself and his cronies at the expense of the country, whose citizens continue to struggle with high cost of living. He said the administration was presiding over deteriorating economic conditions, arguing that president was presenting a misleading picture of the economy.
He said Ruto is using proxies to acquire shares in public institutions like Kenya Pipeline Company, warning that the country’s public wealth should not enrich individuals. The demand for “accountability in the management of strategic national assets is not optional”.
“Stop the theft and buying public assets through proxies because Kenyans now know you and have vowed to send you home next year,” Nyoro said, dismissing President Ruto’s promises to lower income tax for low-income earners.
According to the Kiharu MP, the pledges made during Tuesday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations were mere political rhetoric to hoodwink the public ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The opposition leaders say the president has failed to fulfil his commitments to Kenyans since taking office and he cannot be trusted to do anything with just a few months to the general elections.
